Hard Candy

4.7
(204)
170 Reviews
43 Photos

This hard candy recipe can easily be adjusted by using different flavored extracts and food colorings. The hardest part is waiting for the sugar to reach the proper temperature. Be patient and use a candy thermometer for perfect candy.

Submitted by Judith Synesael
Updated on November 13, 2024
Tested by
Allrecipes Test Kitchen
Tested by Allrecipes Test Kitchen
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looking down at a tray of orange hard candy lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar
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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
36
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 36 servings

  • cooking spray

  • 3 ¾ cups white sugar

  • 1 ½ cups light corn syrup

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 tablespoon orange, or other flavored extract

  • ½ teaspoon food coloring (Optional)

  • ¼ cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions

  1. Grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray.

  2. Stir white sugar, corn syrup, and water together in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.

    boiling hard candy syrup

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Without stirring, heat to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), or until a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water forms hard, brittle threads.

    hard candy water test

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Remove from the heat and stir in flavored extract and food coloring. Pour onto the prepared cookie sheet. Dust top with confectioners' sugar.

    hard candy poured on sheet tray

    Dotash Meredith Food Studios

  5. Let cool until hardened, about 15 minutes. Break into about 36 pieces and store in an airtight container.

    looking down at a tray of orange hard candy lightly dusted with confectioners' sugar

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 
358 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

124 Calories
32g Carbs
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 36
Calories 124
% Daily Value *
Sodium 9mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Total Sugars 25g
Calcium 2mg 0%
Potassium 1mg 0%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.